The Swedish group joins a growing list of artists protesting the unauthorized use of their songs by Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Abba have expressed their objection after their iconic music was used without permission at a recent Donald Trump rally. The Swedish pop group has demanded that the Trump campaign remove videos circulating online that feature their songs, including “The Winner Takes It All” and “Dancing Queen.” The tracks were used to promote the rally, sparking outrage from the band.
A statement from Abba, issued through their representative to the PA news agency, said: “Abba has recently discovered the unauthorised use of their music and videos at a Trump event through videos that appeared online. As a result, Abba and its representative have promptly requested the removal and deletion of such content. No request has been received; therefore, no permission or license has been granted.”
Abba’s complaint adds to a growing list of artists whose music has been used without consent at Trump rallies. Last week, the Foo Fighters responded to the use of their hit song “My Hero” at a rally by stating, “No,” when asked if they had allowed it. The band’s spokesperson confirmed that they had not been asked for permission and would not have granted it if they had been.
Similarly, Celine Dion’s team condemned Trump for playing her song “My Heart Will Go On” at a rally earlier this month, clarifying that the use of the song was “in no way authorised.”
Johnny Marr, guitarist of The Smiths, also responded to the unauthorized use of their song “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” at a rally, writing on social media, “Consider this shit shut right down right now.”
This is not the first time Trump’s campaign has been caught using artists’ music without permission. In 2018, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler sent Trump a cease-and-desist letter after the band’s 1993 hit “Livin’ On The Edge” was played at a rally. Tyler had previously sent two similar letters in 2015.
Other artists, including Prince’s estate, Tom Petty’s estate, Rihanna, and Ozzy Osbourne, have all taken action against Trump’s use of their music during his rallies. The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, and Linkin Park are among other musicians who have issued cease-and-desist orders after their songs were featured in campaign videos.
